Auburn and Boise State Make Life Easier for the BCS Committee

Oh yeah, and Oregon too. We chose to highlight Auburn and Boise State because of their heart-stopping finishes on Friday, both of which left the BCS picture looking clearer than it has all year. When Boise State blew a 17-point lead against Nevada yesterday and its kicker, Kyle Brotzman, missed field goals of 26 and 29 yards, they put an end to any hope they had of becoming a BCS buster. Brotzman also reserved a spot in the Bill Buckner discussion for the remainder of his life.

We know the buzz that has surrounded the Broncos has been larger than life. One veteran oddsmaker even told LBS he believed Boise State was the best team in college football. Nick Saban would tend to disagree with that opinion, but he naturally has the best interests of the Crimson Tide in mind — the same Crimson Tide who blew a 24-point lead against Cam Newton and Auburn on Friday that allowed the Tigers to remain undefeated.

Therefore, two Thanksgiving weekend meltdowns left the BCS Championship picture clear as day. There are only three unbeatens remaining — Oregon, Auburn and TCU. TCU’s schedule won’t get them in the National Championship discussion. The Ducks rolled over No. 21 Arizona on Friday and will remain atop the BCS polls. Auburn will stay right on their tail at No. 2. Oregon has one game remaining against 5-5 Oregon State and Auburn has one date remaining with No. 18 South Carolina. Neither is a cupcake, but both teams should win, making life simple on the BCS committee with two undefeated teams — both from BCS conferences — remaining.